TEXAS HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

MMM · Medicare/Medicaid

H.R. 1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Expressed opposition to the following items being considered for a budget reconciliation package: capped Medicaid funding, restrictions on provider taxes, restrictions on state directed payment programs, site-neutral payment policies. Expressed support for delaying cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals, and repealing the nursing home minimum staffing rule. Endorse Prompt and Fair Pay Act (HR 4559), legislation to establish payment parity between Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service Medicare, and to establish prompt payment requirements under Medicare Advantage. Endorse Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act (HR 5454), legislation that establishes payment timelines and penalties for "clean claims" by Medicare Advantage plans. Provide comments to CMS on Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems; Quality Reporting Programs; Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings; and Hospital Price Transparency CMS-1834-P; specifically, the market basket factor update, payment of "inpatient only" services, reduction of payment for services furnished in excepted off-campus hospital outpatient departments (HOPD), and other provisions. Stated opposition to CMS about a new Aetna payment policy for its Medicare Advantage (MA) and Special Needs Plans. General appropriations package (FY 2026): Expressed support for delaying/repealing cuts to Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals, extending telehealth flexibilities, extending Hospital at Home program, extending Medicare-related programs that support rural hospitals.

Literal federal measure citations: H.R. 1, HR 4559, HR 5454

HCR · Health Issues

Express support for extending enhanced premium tax credits set to expire end of year 2025. Submitted comments to HRSA RE: 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program (HRSA-2025-14998); specifically, outlining the negative impacts of the proposed 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program on Texas hospital covered entities and their patients.